Performing Sensitive Physical Exams Policy

Medical students must always have a chaperone present in the exam room when performing sensitive parts of the physical exam. This includes genitourinary tract exams as well as rectal and breast exams. Chaperones should not include family members of the patient but may include a resident physician or other health care provider. Gynecological teaching associates (patient instructors) may serve as their own chaperone in the Clinical Education Center. In the event that an appropriate chaperone is not available, students should not perform the sensitive physical exam and notify the clerkship director to make alternative arrangements.